Care for every type of leukemia

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that starts in your bone marrow, where several types of blood cells are made. When abnormal cells form in the bone marrow, they can then spread into your blood. Because leukemia often affects the white blood cells that fight off infections in your body, it can cause your immune system to not work as it should.

Many different types of leukemia blood cancer exist, and it can affect all ages. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 30% of all children with cancer have leukemia. But overall, this blood cancer type is still more common in adults than it is in children.

No matter what type of leukemia you’re facing, our team is ready with support and care throughout diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Contact a patient navigator today to get help navigating your leukemia journey.

Navigate your care

Why Baylor Scott & White Health for leukemia care

Our cancer programs have been caring for people with leukemia for decades. And we’re still committed to innovating the way we provide advanced blood cancer care to our communities.

From our holistic services to cancer research, we’re here with personalized care for your leukemia. Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, has one of the nation's oldest blood and marrow transplant programs and is the first North Texas provider to offer adult commercial use of CAR-T.

With a network of cancer care centers across North and Central Texas, we bring leukemia care to a location that’s convenient for you. If you need advanced care for your blood cancer, you’ll also have access to specialized programs and treatment options not available at every hospital. With us, you get a complete approach to care aimed at helping you treat leukemia better.



Baylor Scott & White Health is the third largest network of cancer centers accredited by the Commission on Cancer.

Certain Baylor Scott & White Health locations are accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) for quality in cellular therapy, including blood and marrow transplantation and immunotherapies.

  • Commission on Cancer

    Baylor Scott & White Health is one of the largest networks of cancer centers in the nation accredited by the Commission on Cancer.

  • Nationally accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)

    Nationally accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).

Types of leukemia

Leukemia can affect different kinds of cells in your bone marrow and blood. Your type of leukemia depends on what blood cells are affected and how fast or slowly they’re spreading. While there are four common types of leukemia with their own set of risk factors and symptoms, several other rare types of this blood cancer can happen too.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Acute lymphocytic leukemia—also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute lymphoid leukemia—affects a type of white blood cell in your immune system called lymphocytes. It develops in the bone marrow and blood and can be aggressive if not treated early.

Risk factors for acute lymphocytic leukemia

ALL is the most common type of leukemia found in children, but it can develop in adults too. There is no known cause for ALL, but certain factors may increase your risk:

  • Previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation
  • Certain genetic disorders
  • Being a child or adolescent
  • Older than 70
  • Being male
  • Race and ethnicity (more commonly found in white and Hispanic people)

Acute lymphocytic  leukemia symptoms

There are several subtypes of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Some people may not show any symptoms, while others may experience some combination of:

  • Dizziness and fatigue
  • Shortness of breath  
  • Appearing pale
  • Frequent infections
  • Fevers
  • Bruising easily
  • Abnormal bleeding 
  • Night sweats
  • Pain in the bones or joints
  • Discomfort in the abdomen
  • Weight loss or decreased appetite
  • Wheezing, coughing or painful breathing 

These ALL symptoms and risk factors could be present due to other illnesses not related to blood cancer, so see your doctor about your concerns.

Diagnosing leukemia

A blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) is often the first step to diagnosing leukemia. A CBC measures the levels of different cells in your blood, including red blood cells and white blood cells. Your CBC lets your doctor know if you have levels of blood cells that aren’t in the normal range.

Your doctor may also test your bone marrow. A bone marrow aspiration takes a sample of marrow fluid. A bone marrow biopsy takes a sample of your bone with the fluid in it. These samples are taken using a hollow needle, typically in your hip bone. Then, the samples are tested in the lab. Other tests may be required, depending on your results.

If your tests show you have leukemia, our team of blood cancer specialists can help you plan the next steps for your specific diagnosis. And our patient navigators are here to provide you with emotional support and guidance for your whole cancer journey.

Leukemia treatment

Our advanced cancer care programs offer many options for leukemia treatment. Because every person—and every leukemia—is different, our team will tailor treatment to your specific type of leukemia and personal health factors.

Talk to your doctor about your specific diagnosis and the best leukemia treatment approach for you.

Autologous blood stem cell transplant

An autologous blood stem cell transplant uses cells found in your own blood. These healthy stem cells are removed before treatment and are then placed back in the blood after other leukemia treatments.

Find leukemia cancer care in Texas

Through our Texas cancer centers, you have more care options for leukemia closer to home. Find a leukemia treatment location that’s convenient for you.

*Certain treatments may not be available at every location. Your cancer care team will work to create a treatment plan convenient for you.

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Leukemia support

We know leukemia affects you in many ways. That’s why we care for every aspect of your well-being. Whether it’s coping with the emotions of a diagnosis or thriving after treatment, we offer complete cancer care for every stage of leukemia. Connect with a patient navigator, leukemia support group, resource center or our survivorship program today.

Contact a patient navigator
Support groups and events
Resource centers and boutiques
Survivorship program